The Wallace

Over the past couple of years, Great British Menu judge Oliver Peyton has taken it upon himself to re-invent many of the cafés in the capital’s stores & public spaces, & his crowning glory is The Wallace. Moments from Oxford Street, at the heart of a rather elegant art gallery, this glorious courtyard venue resides beneath a lofty glass atrium. Wrought-iron chairs, oversized pot plants & fuchsia upholstery give a summery feel to the place – whatever the weather outside. To one side is a café serving sandwiches, pâtés & cakes; to the other is a restaurant dealing in French classics (from coquilles Saint Jacques via entrecôte béarnaise to tarte Tatin). Afternoon tea is terrific. Prices are higher than at your average gallery caff, but portions are generous & staff work hard (though busy lunchtimes slow things down), so book ahead.